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Diaz Lake (Inyo County Park)
Overview
Diaz Lake is a scenic county park located just south of Lone Pine, offering a refreshing oasis in the high desert of the Owens Valley. Spanning roughly 80 acres, the lake serves as a centerpiece for a campground that balances rugged natural beauty with essential conveniences. While many travelers use it as a basecamp for Eastern Sierra adventures, the park itself provides a tranquil setting where the reflection of the Sierra Nevada mountains shimmers on the water's surface. It is a managed facility that caters to both overnight travelers and day-use visitors seeking a quiet escape from the road.
Location & Surroundings
The park is situated directly off Highway 395, making it an incredibly accessible stop for those journeying through Eastern California. It sits at an elevation of approximately 3,700 feet, providing a unique climate that bridges the gap between the Mojave Desert and the alpine peaks. To the west, the jagged skyline of the Mount Whitney range dominates the horizon, offering some of the most iconic views in the state. The surrounding landscape is characterized by sagebrush and granite, creating a striking contrast against the blue waters of the lake.
Amenities & Park Features
Diaz Lake provides a variety of site types, including several dozen spaces that offer electric and water hookups for RVers. While there are no sewer connections at individual sites, a convenient on-site dump station is available for guests to use. The campground is equipped with essential facilities, including:
- Restrooms and coin-operated showers
- Individual fire rings and picnic tables
- A boat ramp for non-motorized or low-speed watercraft
- Stocked lake areas for year-round fishing
These features ensure that while the vibe remains rustic, your basic comfort needs are met during your stay.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
The primary draw of this location is its proximity to the Alabama Hills, a world-renowned destination for photography and film history. Just a short drive away, visitors can explore the Mobius Arch or tour the Museum of Western Film History in Lone Pine. For those looking to go higher, the Mount Whitney Portal provides access to high-altitude hiking trails and dramatic vistas. History buffs will also appreciate the Manzanar National Historic Site, located just north of the park, which offers a poignant look into American history.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and photographers who want easy access to the Eastern Sierra without the difficulty of navigating narrow mountain roads. It is a fantastic choice for anglers looking to catch trout or bass in a frequently stocked lake environment. Because of its location near Highway 395, it serves as an excellent convenient stopover for big rigs heading toward Mammoth Lakes or Lake Tahoe. Those who enjoy a mix of water-based recreation and high-desert exploration will find Diaz Lake to be a versatile home base.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
William G. Apger
Simple campground, no frills. But has an amazing view of the Mt Whitney crest of the Sierra. Fresh water and pit toilets. No dump station due to its proximity to Dias Lake. Most camps are sandy, along the lake there is grass. South end has large shade trees. North end is open, but had those great views!
Pat
Well kept grounds. Right next to a lake! What could be better? And next to a horse pasture with friendly horses that walk up to the fence.
Matt Meyer
Great lakebto cool off. Small but big enohght for a boat and tubing. Got skunked fishing but had a great time. Playground currently looks like it's being renovated
Conrad Jesse
Come here same week of April every year for 2 decades and me and my group are the only ones usually tent camping but almost every night the last 6 years we have been hearing something pretty big and bi pedal walking around our tent from maybe midnight to 3 am
Avelyn Batts
Gorgeous locations, clean out toilets, not busy in the spring - plenty of room
John Lyons
Very nice campground. Beautiful lake and amazing views. Close to Alabama Hills. The only drawbacks were a few times people rode through the campground on ATVs (against the rules, there are riding trails out the back gate) and ants. So many ants! But that's the outdoors.
Dennis Olenick
ATVs and unlicensed dirt bikes are NOT to be used within the campground (there's a large separate area out back for that), but irresponsible parents and their children use the campground like a race track on the weekends with motorcycles and ATVs running rampant passing campsites hundreds of times disturbing everyone for the benefit of a few people who aren't obeying the rules. No/very limited enforcement by the park. Ruins the camping experience. The parks department should do a better job controlling the unruly parents and children however they can. On the busy weekends It's like a people zoo with fireworks ATVs and motorcycles. Parks department and police were notified and responded but didn't really seem to help.
Taylor Wells
We are climbers and the access to Alabama hills is great. The breeze is always nice here and it’s never crowded. We had some bug problems when we stayed near the water but they have spots away from the water and they worked out great for us. It’s very affordable and quiet. Also the view is incredible and the stars at night are stunning.
Linda Goodwin
Beautiful campground. Dry camping. Busy on weekends. But excellent during week days. Could use more water spigots accessibility. Beautiful!
Nicole Burns
One of my favorite places to pull over and enjoy nature. You can often find shade here to let your dogs out, please just remember to pick up their poop. When I stopped here there were children flying kites and families enjoying picnics. I highly recommend this site. It's a safe place near the highway to pull over. Looks like there is fishing opportunities but I'm not sure as I didn't go near the lake. Enjoy.